5. The Lotus Effect — Self-Cleaning Surfaces
The lotus plant thrives in muddy environments, yet its leaves remain perfectly clean. This is because they are covered with microscopic bumps coated in a waxy, water-repellent substance.
Water droplets roll off the leaf, picking up dirt along the way—a process known as the Lotus Effect.
This natural mechanism inspired:
- Self-cleaning paints
- Water-repellent glass
- Stain-proof fabrics
- Self-cleaning solar panels
This technology reduces the need for chemical cleaning products and makes surfaces more durable.
